Is there an increased risk of an ectopic pregnancy following infertility treatment?

To identify risk factors for ectopic pregnancy (EP) after IVF-ET.

Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting:

In vitro fertilization clinic at a university hospital.

Patients:

A total of 725 women who conceived after IVF were studied with regard to background factors, indications for IVF, and factors related to the IVF procedure through review of their medical charts. The rate of EP was 4%, corresponding with 29 EPs, of which 2 were heterotopic.

Intervention(s):

None.

Settings, Design and Main Outcome Measures:

Pregnancy outcome, defined as intrauterine pregnancy or EP. Background factors, indications for IVF, and factors related to the IVF procedure were analyzed for possible correlation with the outcome of EP. Risk factors for EP were identified by logistic regression analysis.

Result(s):

Tubal factor infertility, various previous abdominal surgeries, previous EP or pelvic infection, presence of a hydrosalpinx or fibroid, and type of transfer catheter used showed a positive correlation with EP as outcome. Logistic regression analysis identified two factors with predictive power: tubal factor infertility and previous myomectomy.

Conclusion(s):

Tubal factor infertility was the most prominent risk factor for EP after IVF. Previous myomectomy appeared to be another important risk factor, but this is a new finding that needs to be confirmed by further study.

Please click on the required question.

• 1 How successful is infertility treatment?
• 2 How can we compare infertility treatments?
• 3 How can we compare outcomes between different fertility units?
• 4 Are treatments for infertility improving?
• 5 Is there an increased chance of miscarriage following infertility treatment?
• 6 Is there an increased chance of ectopic pregnancy following infertility treatment?
• 7 What is a heterotopic pregnancy?
• 8 What problems can occur with multiple pregnancy?
• 9 What is selective termination of pregnancy?
• 10 How can the pregnancy risks following infertility treatment be reduced?
• 11 We have had infertility treatment which has been successful. How will our pregnancy be cared for?
• 12 If we have infertility treatment, will our baby be healthy?
• 13 What are the psychological effects of infertility? information?
• 14 Where can I obtain more information?
• 15 Infertility Support Groups.
  

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This is the personal website of David A Viniker MD FRCOG, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Whipps Cross University Hospital, London - Specialist Interests - Reproductive Medicine including Infertility, PCOS, PMS, Menopause and HRT.

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